ASTA report reveals sustained economic recovery

ASTA has released the results of its 2011 Global Distribution System (GDS) Report, a 63-page study designed to assist agencies in evaluating their current GDS contracts and help industry suppliers gain insight into the travel agency distribution channel. Among its key findings, the study found that for the first time since 2008, the percentage of agencies reporting increased bookings (34%) through their GDS was higher than those seeing a decrease (24%), a signal of a sustained economic recovery. This report also confirms the value of the GDS distribution to the travel agency industry. When renegotiating their contracts, a majority of GDS subscribers (65%) say they value their GDS for its ease-of-use and many (50%) see no viable alternative. “The report not only provides agents with a comparative analysis of the deals agencies have negotiated, but it also compares agency satisfaction by GDS vendor. This is a must-have for any agency with a GDS contract up for renewal,”said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. “Just as important, it’s a must-have for any supplier looking to improve distribution through the GDS channel.”The report is the only one of its kind that specifically examines GDS usage, contracts and distribution trends from the agencies’ point of view and takes a close look at the reasons agencies use GDSs. Among the report’s findings: !!! The agency-GDS relationship is very stable, with 19 years being the average length of time for GDS usage; !!! Seventy-five per cent of agencies used a GDS in 2011, compared with 76% in 2010; !!! More than 80% of agencies pay less than $1,000 annually for their GDS; 46% paid no fees at all; !!! Sixty-one per cent of agencies plan to renew their current GDS contract when it expires. In 2010, that figure was 63%. The majority (40%) of agencies report they have a “no-minimum”pricing plan, a figure which has held relatively steady since 2008; !!! The percentage of agencies rating content “very satisfied”drops across all travel categories between 2008 and 2011 down between 10% and 34% depending on the category; !!! The largest group of agencies (44%) describe themselves as “somewhat satisfied”customers. ASTA Premium members will receive a complimentary copy of the full report as part of their membership. Travel agent members may access a free two-page summary on ASTA.org, and can also purchase the entire report for US$99. The cost for ASTA member suppliers is US$349 and US$549 for non-members. (http://www.ASTA.org)